Composite Dental FillingsTooth-Colored Fillings in New Berlin & Waukesha
Ross Dental provides composite resin fillings for adults and children living in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. Composite fillings are safe, natural-looking fillings for front teeth and molar repair. In addition to its use as a restorative treatment, composite fillings can also be used to make minor cosmetic repairs, such as fixing small chips on the surface of your teeth.
What are Composite Dental Fillings?
Composite fillings, also known as white fillings, are a tooth-colored material used to fill cavities or repair damaged teeth. Composite fillings are made from a mixture of finely ground glass or ceramic particles and plastic resin. The material is molded and shaped to fit the cavity and then hardened using a special dental curing light. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings match the natural color of teeth and are much less noticeable.
Advantages of Composite Fillings
- Natural looking - Composite fillings match the color of your natural teeth, making them very difficult to notice.
- Long Lasting - Generally, composite fillings last five to seven years, but often last longer.
- Strong and durable - Modern dental composites are made from high-tech materials. The fillings are very strong and hold up well to the forces of biting and chewing. Composites are now comparable in longevity to amalgam fillings.
- Preserve more tooth structure - Because they can be molded and shaped, composites allow dentists to take out less of the healthy tooth when preparing the cavity. This results in a stronger, longer-lasting repair.
- Emission-free - Unlike mercury-containing amalgam fillings, composites are considered a safe, non-toxic alternative. Composite fillings do not carry risks of mercury exposure or vapor release.
- Natural antibacterial properties - Composites contain glass particles with natural antibacterial benefits to help prevent recurrent decay around the filling.
- Improve aesthetics - In addition to filling cavities, composites also repair chipped, broken or discolored teeth, giving you an improved smile.
Cost of Composite Resin Fillings in Wisconsin
The cost of composite fillings is generally higher than amalgam fillings but lower than ceramic or gold fillings. A composite filling costs between $90 and $250 on average, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Dental Insurance Providers We Accept
Does insurance cover resin fillings?
Most dental insurance will not completely cover the cost of your resin fillings: the allotted money in your dental insurance plan typically covers up to $1,500 in basic procedures and checkups throughout the year. However, some dental insurance plans and medical insurance plans will cover the cost of resin fillings. Contact Ross Dental to speak with an associate to go over your specific coverage plan.
Fillings without insurance
No dental insurance? No problem—apply for CareCredit to receive quick coverage based on your credit score. CareCredit covers all sorts of medical and dental procedures for you or the whole family. Apply today to see what kind of coverage you can get at Ross Dental.
Bad credit? No credit? Still no problem.
We’re real people here, we get it, and we’ve been there. Everybody deserves great teeth—if you don’t have credit to apply for CareCredit, then take advantage of our payment plan solutions. Just speak with an associate to go over a payment plan that works for you and your budget.
The Composite Resin Filling Procedure
The composite resin filling procedure is a common dental treatment used to restore teeth affected by decay or damage. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Examination: The process begins with thoroughly examining the patient's teeth. We identify any decay or damage.
- Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia may be given to numb the area around the affected tooth. Patient comfort is our top priority.
- Tooth Preparation: The dentist will use a dental drill to remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared for the filling material.
- Composite Resin Selection: Ross Dental offers a variety of composite resin materials in different shades to match the natural color of our patient’s teeth. We’ll select the appropriate shade for a seamless blend with the surrounding tooth structure.
- Bonding Agent Application: A bonding agent is applied to the prepared tooth surface. This adhesive helps the composite resin material adhere securely to the tooth.
- Layering and Shaping: Our dentists carefully layer the composite resin material onto the tooth, building it up in thin layers. Each layer is cured, or hardened, using a special curing light. Between each layer, the composite resin is shaped and sculpted to achieve the desired contour and appearance.
- Final Shaping and Polishing: Once the desired shape and contour are achieved, our dentists further refine the filling by shaping and polishing it to match the natural contours of the tooth. The result is a smooth and natural-looking finish.
- Bite Check and Adjustment: Our dentists have the patient bite down to check the fit. The filling shouldn’t interfere with the natural bite or cause discomfort. Adjustments are made if needed to ensure proper alignment and function.
- Final Inspection: After the filling is complete, our dentists inspect the restoration for quality and aesthetics. Any final adjustments or polishing may be performed at this stage.
- Post-Procedure Care: The patient receives instructions on how to care for their newly restored tooth, including proper oral hygiene practices and any restrictions on eating or drinking immediately after the procedure.
Do you Offer Sedation for Dental Fillings?
Yes, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who experience anxiety about dental procedures. We customize the type of sedation to your particular needs and the details of your procedure. Let us know if you are interested in sedation for your next filling! We're happy to explain the options and recommend the best approach.
Composite Filling Aftercare
Once your composite filling is placed, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth for at least an hour to allow the material to fully harden. Minor sensitivity and irritation are normal for a few days. Maintain good oral hygiene to keep the area clean while it heals. Some post-op discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience any unusual symptoms like severe pain, contact our office. With proper care, your composite filling should last many years.
Composite Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings
Composite fillings are more popular than silver amalgams because they match the natural color of your teeth.
Composite Fillings vs. Porcelain Veneers
Composite resin fillings and veneers can be used to correct some of the same problems such as chipped or broken teeth. In general, porcelain veneers are better suited when there is a more severe issue or larger areas of damage on your teeth.
Composite Dental Fillings FAQ
Contact Ross Dental for affordable Milwaukee area restorative dental treatments including composite fillings.
How long do composite dental fillings last?
No matter the filling material (gold, amalgam, porcelain, etc.), all fillings eventually need replacement. Composite dental fillings usually last 5 to 7 years, but often last longer.
Can you eat after composite fillings?
Yes. Composite fillings harden immediately, meaning you can eat immediately after your appointment. You may experience increased temperature sensitivity in the weeks following; This should not impact your ability to chew normally and should go away within 3 weeks.
Can you whiten composite fillings?
Ross Dental provides professional teeth whitening services to patients across Wisconsin. Just like every set of teeth is different, so is every whitening process. If you'd like to whiten a filled tooth, talk to Dr. Ross before and after your appointment to create a whitening plan that's right for you.
Are composite dental fillings safe?
Yes. The majority of speculation on composite resin's safety has to do with BPA (a component in composite resin fillings), and is misinformed. We consume BPA daily in our food, drinks and canned goods, and there is no evidence to suggest adverse side effects in humans. BPA passes safety standards and is not considered to pose a human health risk.
Do composite fillings hurt?
Painful visits to the dentist are a thing of the past. We offer a variety of services to make your appointment as comfortable as possible, including:
-Sedation dentistry
-Bose® noise-canceling headphones
-Aromatherapy
-Blankets and pillows
-Music
Ross Dental Services in Southeastern Wisconsin
Ross Dental in New Berlin & Waukesha serves patients from locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including:
Milwaukee, Brookfield, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Muskego, Pewaukee, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Franklin, Elm Grove, Mukwonago, Big Bend, North Prairie and Wales.